Ephesus was located in western Asia Minor and was the capital of Proconsular Asia. It was a "free city" with its own Senate and Assembly. Ephesus was.

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Presentation on theme: "Ephesus was located in western Asia Minor and was the capital of Proconsular Asia. It was a "free city" with its own Senate and Assembly. Ephesus was."— Presentation transcript:

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Ephesus was located in western Asia Minor and was the capital of Proconsular Asia. It was a "free city" with its own Senate and Assembly. Ephesus was the city of astrology, sorcery, exorcism and every form of magic.

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"But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:" (Ephesians 6:21). This epistle was written by the Apostle Paul during his first imprisonment at Rome, 62 AD.

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Tychicus carried the epistle to Ephesus along with the Epistle to the Colossians. Paul emphasized the holiness of the Christian's calling in contrast to his former sinful condition. Also he taught the unity of the Jew and Gentile; there was only ONE CHURCH.

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In Chapter one the Apostle Paul repeats twelve times one of his favorite phrases, "In Christ Jesus." Sometimes he worded it simply "In Christ," "In Him," or "In Whom," but this phrase is found throughout this chapter.

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Definitely salvation depends upon a person being "In Christ." "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22). "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body..." (I Corinthians 12:13). Paul is writing to those who are "In Christ." Salvation is only to be found "In Christ."

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Chapter one is a very important chapter. In verse three, Paul expresses this by saying, "... who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This is a great contrast to the low position that we had while living in sin.

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Chosen "In Christ," predestinated and adopted to be a child of God; here Paul is speaking of the Church. Individual members of the Church must make their own choice by free will. We are chosen "In Christ" to be: In Him; Holy; Without blame; Before Him in love; To be the praise of the glory of His grace; To be accepted in the Beloved.

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In this chapter, Paul takes us from the eternities of the past, verse 4, to the eternity of the future, verse 10. The phrase, "foundation of the world" refers to the beginning of time and God's dealing with mankind in redemption.

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In verse 10, the word "dispensation" means "stewardship" and the phrase "fulness of times" means that God will do this exactly on time as He has it planned. In verse 11, we read that He works all things after the council of His own will. The emphasis is placed on God's will.

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Several times we read concerning "the praise of His glory." Definitely the main purpose of the Church is to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ who loved the Church and gave Himself for her. The Church can only bring praise of His glory when the individual members of the Church have chosen Him of their own free will.

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"Which is the earnest of our inheritance... " (Ephesians 1:14). "The earnest" is the down payment, which concludes a transaction. signifies we belong to Him. Not only is it a symbol of ownership, but also it gives security. However, this seal may be broken if one deliberately turns back to live in sin.

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In the epistle, Paul gives two prayers for the Ephesian church. The first is found in 1:17&18. This is a prayer that their understanding may be enlightened to know not only what they have been provided "in Christ," but also to know that they, in turn, constitute Christ's inheritance; for the Church is His inheritance. Paul prays that they may receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

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The last two verses in chapter one states clearly that the church is Christ's body upon the earth. In verse 9 the mystery of His will is revealed– the fact that both Jew and Gentile are ONE in the church.